Stockholm Syndrome: Why Do Some People Fall In Love With Their Kidnapper?
Have you ever heard of Stockholm syndrome? Why do some people feel affection for their abusers? Discover what one of these psychological syndromes consists of.
He Stockholm syndrome It is a completely unexpected psychological response on the part of the victim of kidnapping, abuse or mistreatment. In these cases, the person who is suffering from this situation may end up feeling positive emotions towards the abuser, and in some cases these individuals have even been able to fall in love with the kidnapper.
He Stockholm syndrome in psychology implies a response that occurs in some victims in shock situations. In these cases, the person who suffers ends up effectively linking himself to the kidnapper or abuser, having a positive view of him.
Many times, Stockholm syndrome and love They are very related. So much so that sometimes Stockholm syndrome can appear in the couple or even form a loving bond between the abuser and the victim.
Through one of these psychological syndromes , victims can develop feelings and ideas very similar to those of the abuser or captor. Until reaching the point of seeing those who want to help them as their own enemies.
The story behind Stockholm syndrome
Although it is very likely that Stockholm syndrome has occurred on many occasions during history, it was not until 1973 when one of these psychological syndromes was named due to an event that impacted many people around the world.
It was in that year where two men were holding four people hostage for six days after a bank robbery in Stockholm After each of the hostages were freed, they all refused to testify against their captors and even began raising money for their defense.
Due to this situation that shocked the psychologists and all the people who followed the case, it was established as Stockholm syndrome definition the symptoms that were perceived in the victims during the course of that kidnapping.
Even though this ‘kidnapped syndrome ‘ or Stockholm is very popularly known, the reality is that it is not registered within the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, that is, the manual used by specialists to diagnose pathologies related to mental health .
Symptoms of Stockholm syndrome
Although it is not recognized as a mental disorder, psychologists recognize that there are a series of signs to identify Stockholm syndrome Among the most visible, we find the following.
Positive feelings towards the abuser or abuser : Due to shock that occurs in a situation of mistreatment or abuse (whether domestic or in a specific situation), people end up seeing the kind attitudes that aggressors can present in these situations as very good.
Negativity towards people who want to help: When a victim suffers from Stockholm syndrome She may take a dim view of the police, authority figures, or anyone who tries to help her in this situation of abuse and mistreatment.
Transfer of values: When someone suffers from Stockholm syndrome and its symptoms It can end up identifying the values ​​and opinions of the kidnapper or abuser. So much so that he comes to see why he treats him badly or has hurt him as something understandable.
Feeling sorry for abusers : In many cases, in this kidnapping or Stockholm syndrome Victims may feel pity and empathy toward their abusers.
They do not want to abandon their abusers : Another of the Stockholm syndrome symptoms is that the victim usually ends up developing a dependency on their abuser, suffering greatly when leaving their company.
He domestic or partner Stockholm syndrome can also occur. In these cases, there are studies that show that some people who have been abused in a relationship, both physically and emotionally, can develop positivity and sympathy towards their abuser despite all the damage they have perceived. This can also happen in cases of child abuse.
In these cases, if you think that someone around you may be suffering from domestic or partner Stockholm syndrome Do not hesitate to refer him to a professional psychologist.
Stockholm Syndrome: The most famous cases
On many occasions during history cases of this have been seen. kidnapped syndrome ‘or Stockholm syndrome. Among the most popular cases, the following stand out.
Mary McElroy (1933): During the early 1900s there was a case that perfectly portrays what it is like. Stockholm syndrome in psychology In those years, four men kidnapped Mary MsElroy and after a few days they released her in exchange for a ransom of $30,000. Even though the victim in this story agreed to let her captors receive what they deserved, she ended up visiting them during her long stay in prison.
Patty Hearst (1974): A group that was part of the United States army kidnapped Patty Hearst in California in 1974. During the time she was kidnaped , Hearst ended up participating in a bank robbery with his captors. Thus, the victim in this story alleged at her trial that the kidnappers had brainwashed her.
Natascha Kampush (1998): In 1998, Wolfgang Priklopil kidnapped 10-year-old Natascha Kampush and isolated her in a basement for more than 8 years. During the course of those years, the kidnapper beat her and threatened her with life and death, while he pampered her by buying her gifts, food and affection.
Natascha presented a clear Stockholm syndrome Since when her captor committed suicide and she was found, she was very affected by the death of her attacker.
He Stockholm syndrome It shows us how complicated it is to understand our emotions and sensations in many moments. For this reason, knowing our interior through the help of a professional is so important. Through our self-knowledge we can take control of any shock situation.
